‘Pirates’ Scores Biggest Treasure Of The Weekend — And The Year

Leave it to a band of pirates to pocket the biggest box-office treasure of 2006. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” which shattered box-office records last week, has become the year’s top earner.

After just 10 days in theaters — and a second-weekend pull of more than $62.1 million — “Dead Man’s Chest” has earned more than $258.2 million, according to early estimates, maintaining its hold on #1 in the box-office top 10. That’s enough to beat the previous top earner of 2006, “X-Men: The Last Stand,” which has raked in $232 million over eight weeks.

The comedy “You, Me and Dupree” came close on the heels of “Little Man,” making its debut at #3 with more than $21.3 million. Kate Hudson and Matt Dillon star in the film as Molly and Carl, a newlywed couple happily beginning their new life together until Carl’s best bud, Randy Dupree (Owen Wilson), loses his job and moves into their home (see “Worst Houseguest Ever? Hudson, Dillon, Wilson Reveal Real-Life ‘Dupree’ Moments”
).

After being ousted from the #1 spot on the top 10 last week by “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Superman Returns” was knocked down another two notches this week by new releases, falling from #2 to #4. The latest film in the Superman franchise, which stars newcomer Brandon Routh as the Man of Steel (see ” ‘Superman Returns’ Stars Put Their Own Spin On Iconic Comic Book Roles”
), earned more than $11.6 million during its third weekend in theaters.

Owen Wilson makes another appearance on the box-office top 10, as “Cars” comes in at #6 with more than $7.5 million. The family-friendly animated feature, down one spot this weekend, features the voices of Wilson — who plays a cocky young race car — and Paul Newman.

Rounding out this week’s box-office top 10 are “Click,” which tumbled from
#4 to #7 with $7 million; “The Lake House,” which slipped from #7 to #8 with more than $1.5 million; “Nacho Libre,” which dropped from #6 to #9 with more than $1.2 million; and “A Scanner Darkly,” which debuted on the top 10 with more than $1.1 million.

Overall, ticket sales were down from the corresponding weekend last year.

Next week, look for “Lady in the Water,” “Clerks II,” “My Super Ex-Girlfriend” and “Monster House” to debut on the box-office top 10.